Guess what? Glock clones were everywhere at SHOT 2025. I know — you’re probably overwhelmed by the sheer number of them at this point. It’s almost enough to leave you completely chapfallen, right? But don’t dismiss these new pistols just yet.
There’s a reason Glock is one of the most copied handguns in history. And it’s a good one.
Finding a new Glock clone is a lot like spotting a “new” AR-15. They’re all built with the same core parts and mostly look the same, aside from a new color or a flashy barrel. Haven’t we seen this before with the 1911, AR-15, AK-47, and others? Still, no matter how overproduced a design is, I find it interesting. Gaston Glock’s original handgun was an ingenious design, so it only makes sense that other companies would build on it.
One of my favorite things about Glock clones is their compatibility with accessories. Need a new barrel, trigger, holster, sight, or just about anything else? It’s easy to find. That’s what makes the AR platform so popular, and the Glock platform is no different.
At SHOT Show 2025, Glock clones were everywhere, but a few stood out. Here’s a quick list of some new and sort-of-new models that caught my attention.
Ruger RXM: A Ruger and Magpul Partnership
When I heard Ruger was releasing a Glock clone handgun, I was curious to say the least. I wanted to see what spin they would give it, if any at all. I mean at this point in the game, a new Glock clone should have something different right?
Ruger didn’t disappoint with the RXM and I think it’s going to be a big hit. Nothing looks much different on the outside of this gun. But what you don’t see at first sight is even better than what you do see.
First, and not surprisingly, Ruger based the RXM on the Gen 3 system. That’s good for parts and accessories. But what’s cool is they made a serialized removable fire control insert (FCI). This means you can easily pull it out of the frame.
And this means there is an interchangeable Magpul Enhanced Handgun Grip (EHG) to go with it. The partnership between these two companies is pretty cool, as Magpul does a great job with polymer accessories.
One of the most noticeable features of the handgun grip is the undercut just below the trigger guard. This gives it a great feel when shooting it. The grip has a ¾-scale TSP texture on the grip which for me was not too aggressive but will work great for control.
The gun comes with an optics plate which will work with the RMR, Delta Point Pro, and RMS footprints. I couldn’t help but also notice the sights were raised so you will be able to use them with your optic mounted on the gun.
This could be one of the best “new” Glock clones we have seen in a while and for an MRSP of $499 it’s a great price as well. I can’t wait to get my hands on one of these for a thorough review at the range.
Bear Creek Arsenal Grizzly 101 and 102
Another great find at SHOT 2025 was the BCA (Bear Creek Arsenal) Grizzly 101 and 102 line up. The Grizzly handgun is not new for SHOT, but they have some newer packages available at a great price.
One thing interesting about BCA’s version of the Gen 3 Glock is an upgraded safety release. Probably my biggest complaint with the Gen 3 model is the small mag release on the grip. It’s skinny and can be hard to push, especially with gloves on.
While the Grizzly 101 and 102 is mostly based on the Gen 3 model, a Gen 5 compatible mag release is used to provide the best of both worlds.
The other cool feature with this lineup is the customized look you get right out of the box. BCA is now offering multiple configurations of the 101 and 102, and they are anything but plain.
If you want a black glossy frame with cutouts to showcase a gold or silver barrel, or even upgrade to a threaded barrel, you can have it all for the same price.
They used a 20 degree grip angle which is close to that of a 1911, which has one of the best natural feelings of any handgun. This is a case where you simply get a lot of gun for a little bit of money.
Multiple versions are available that all include an optics plate, custom cutouts, and Gen 5 mag release for $295. For the look and feel of these guns, I put this price tag in that crazy-low category. If you haven’t seen one yet, you’re missing out.
Zev Technologies OZ9v2
And we can’t really talk about Glock cloned handguns without bringing up Zev can we? Zev Technologies has become a household name in the Gucci Glock world and their product is top quality.
The OZ9 has been around for a while but coming out of last year, they announced a version 2 of the OZ9. This updated model has a few new outward appearances like the slide serrations, but the biggest upgrade to the gun is on the inside. Zev upgraded the internals to Gen 5 parts for those who grow tired of all Glock clone handguns being based on a Gen 3.
They are also offering a new aluminum grip that comes in multiple colors to give the gun an even more unique appearance.
Besides the new Gen 5 models, Zev also released a Hyper Comp slide kit for Gen 3 Glocks. This means if you already have a Gen 3 handgun, you can buy the slide kit and you’re ready to go.
And last but not least, Zev also announced a new duty slide with a direct ACRO mount that should be released sometime this year. This configuration will allow those Aimpoint fans to mount their ACRO directly to the slide without an adapter plate which is always a nice touch.
Black Rain Front Line
The Front Line handgun by Black Rain is one of those “sort-of-new” handguns. They were released last year but still took center stage at SHOT Show 2025. After their initial release, I was able to get my hands on one for review a few months ago. I was surprised at the quality and finish options for the price of the gun.
Like Ruger, Black Rain added a small indentation just below the trigger guard and changed the angle of the grip just a little. This subtle difference is noticeable when shooting it.
What always stands out to me with the Front Line series is the detail they placed on the slide serrations and cut-outs on the front of the slide to expose the barrel just a little. When you combine this with an optics plate and literally endless options for a unique color finish, they are hard to overlook.
Need an upgraded Glock-ish handgun?
There are a ton of great handguns on the market, and a good chunk of them are Glock or Glock clones. If you are like me and like to see something just a little different every now and then, look at what these companies are doing.
It’s not hard to copy a great design. But making some modifications and upgrades all while keeping the price reasonable is something worth paying attention to. Even if you’re not a traditional Glock fan, just about anyone who appreciates firearms can see the innovation being put into these.
